154 remote B.C. communities to get high-speed internet

More than 150 remote communities in B.C. will soon have high-speed internet following a $45.4-million investment from two levels of government.

Federal Minister of Indigenous Services Jane Philpott announced Wednesday Ottawa would commit $34 million to build 3.5 million metres of subsea fibre optic cable along B.C.’s coast. The remaining $11.4 million will come from the province.

B.C. Minister of Citizens’ Services Jinny Sims said faster internet is as important to the economy today as the railroad was in the 19th century.

The internet speeds will be “comparable to cities like Vancouver,” Sims said.